When a player is designated for assignment, several different outcomes are possible. Sometimes that process ends with the player leaving the organization. Other times, it results in the player staying put.
That is exactly what happened with Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman and designated hitter Pavin Smith. Despite being designated for assignment on July 10, Smith will remain with the organization. The move came after a disappointing season that frustrated both the team and its fan base.
Once Smith was designated for assignment, he became subject to waivers. All 29 other MLB teams passed on claiming him. No trade materialized during the five-day window following his DFA.
According to the Diamondbacks’ transaction log, Arizona outrighted Smith to the Reno Aces on Wednesday. That allows him to remain with the organization that originally drafted him.
Smith also had another option. He could have declined the outright assignment and entered free agency. Instead, he chose to report to Reno.
The decision keeps the door open for another opportunity within the Diamondbacks organization. Smith’s struggles at the MLB level made Arizona’s decision understandable.
He battled a left elbow injury throughout the season. Even after accounting for that setback, his offensive production never recovered.
As the sample continued to grow, it became clear the Diamondbacks needed more production from first base. Smith finished the season hitting .141/.236/.192 with one home run, six RBIs and a .428 OPS in 28 games.
The quality of his at-bats and the contact he produced suggested those struggles extended beyond bad luck. Arizona ultimately decided it had to make a change.
Triple-A Reno has been a different story. Smith has consistently hit well there throughout his career. Across parts of five seasons, he has never posted an OPS below .820.
He reached a .934 OPS in 62 games in 2023. He followed that with a .996 OPS across 62 games in 2024.
Smith also proved valuable against right-handed pitching during previous MLB seasons.
He produced a 142 wRC+ in 60 games in 2024 and a 123 wRC+ in 87 games in 2025 when used in a platoon role.
Manager Torey Lovullo frequently praised Smith’s offensive ability during those seasons.
Even so, Arizona needed to move in a different direction.
That does not necessarily mean Smith’s time with the organization is finished.
A return to the major league roster would require the Diamondbacks to add him back to the 40-man roster.
Tyler Locklear and LuJames Groover currently provide additional options at first base.
Even so, another opportunity cannot be completely ruled out if circumstances change later this season.
